Cornell Global Big Day 2019

How many species of birds can be seen in Barbados in a 24 hour period?  That question will be answered on Saturday, May 4^th, as local birders join more than 30,000 others worldwide, to take part in the annual Cornell Lab Global Big Day.  While historically this time of year is not the most productive time for birding on the island, we have always been able to highlight rare and exciting birds.  Look at these findings for example; in 2015 -Ruff (Calidris pugnax), 2016 - West Indian Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arborea), 2017 - Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva), 2018 - Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), we are hoping for the same in 2019.  The local and my personal record stands at 53 species, but with most of the scouting completed I would be surprised if that tally can be exceeded this year so your help is needed.

How to participate

• Get an eBird account: eBird is a worldwide bird checklist program used by millions of birders. It is what allows us to compile everyone’s sightings into a single massive Global Big Day list—while at the same time collecting the data for scientists to use to enable them to better understand birds. Sign up here. It is 100% free.
• Watch birds on May 4^th: It is that simple.  You don’t need to be a bird expert, or go out all day long.  Even 10 minutes in your backyard will help.  Global Big Day runs from midnight to midnight in your local time zone. You can report birds from anywhere in the world.
• Enter what you see and hear on eBird: You can enter your sightings via our website or—even easier—download the free eBird Mobile app.  You can enter and submit lists while you are still out birding, and the app will even keep track of how far you’ve walked, so you can focus on watching birds.  While you are downloading free apps, try out the Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID app for help with identification.  Please enter sightings before May 8^th to be included in our initial results announcement.
• Watch the sightings roll in: During the day, keep an eye on how the lists are growing in different parts of the world.  Follow along with sightings from more than 150 countries, including the Cornell Lab’s Team Sapsucker in Florida, Alabama and Texas.  Stats will be updated in real-time on our Global Big Day page.

 I am looking forward to seeing what the day will bring.

Past Records

Year  - Barbados/Personal
2015  -  52/44 species
2016  -  45/45 species
2017  -  53/53 species
2018  -  53/49 species
2019 -??/??